Sunday, August 30
13th Sunday After Pentecost
Preacher: Rev. Taylor Fuerst
Scripture: Revelation 7:9-17
Sermon: "Neighbors: Who Is 'Us' and Who Is 'Them'"?
Unmute Thyself: Talking Politics in Church
It's taboo to talk about politics in church, but we are called to connect our faith with the political challenges of our time. This fall, as our nation grapples with political issues during this election season, FUMC is pressing "unmute" to open the conversation about faith and politics. Through our sermon series, workshops and seminars, and invitations to participate in the political process, we invite you to join us as we consider how God calls us to respond in this highly politicized season.
Sermon Playlist
Want more resources about last week's taboo topic: Politics? Check out the "playlist" of resources that can help you further explore. We hope you will find them to be helpful in connecting your faith with the difficult discussions being had all around us. To find this week's playlist, go to fumcaustin.org/unmute.
|
|
Sunday School
Children's Sunday School meets weekly on Zoom at 9:00 a.m. for Kindergarten through 5th Grades. Youth Sunday School meets bi-weekly (next meeting 9/6). Please check Sunday morning email for Zoom links. Adult Sunday School classes continue to meet weekly, all interested should reach out to class contacts for more information.
|
|
Video Worship Service
We go live with a video worship service in the Sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays accessible through our Zoom worship time, our YouTube Channel and on Facebook page. This traditional worship service lasts about 50 minutes.
|
|
Interactive Worship
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. (opens at 10:50 a.m.)
Our Interactive Worship includes opportunities to connect with one another, share prayer concerns, and view our worship service. Check your Sunday morning email for Zoom link.
|
|
Mercy & Justice 5th Sunday Presentation
Sunday, August 30, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Our August presentation is part of our fall sermon series, Unmute Thyself:Talking Politics in Church. Join Devon Bailey, Director of Youth Ministries, for a conversation about civil discourse. As someone who grew up in the Evangelical faith, earned his degree in religion, and then found his way to our progressive church, Devon has championed ideas across the political spectrum. The breadth of this perspective has given him the unique opportunity to engage opposing viewpoints. As political discourse becomes more heated, Devon will share his insights into how to have meaningful conversations about divisive topics in a way that welcomes all to the table. Zoom link is sent after registration. Register Online.
|
|
Youth Parent Meeting
Sunday, August 30, 4:30 p.m.
Parents of Middle School and High School youth are invited to attend our Youth Parent Meeting this Sunday at 4:30 p.m. We will gather via Zoom to look at the year ahead, upcoming events, and ways to best serve the Youth and Youth Ministry; especially during this pandemic.
Password: youth
ID: 926 5269 2038
|
|
Virtual FEAST
Sunday, August 30, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
All young adults ages 20-45 are invited to join us for a Virtual FEAST! While this event can't replace our dinner events in the Family Life Center, we can still have food, fellowship, and great conversation over Zoom. This month, we will examine some of the issues that have shaped women’s rights and roles in Christian culture, from the first-century Levant to contemporary America. Register Here.
|
|
Welcome Kristin Robertson!
Kristin Robertson moved to Austin this summer from Dallas/Fort Worth with her husband and adorable poodle, Remy, to be near their two grown children and their families. Their son’s partner is Victoria Tijerina, one of the soloists in the FUMC choir. On a visit to Austin over two years ago, Victoria invited Kristin to worship at FUMC and Kristin knew ever since that this was the church she wanted to join. Kristin is an executive coach to the high technology industry, a spiritual director, and an amateur violist.
|
|
Creating Spirit, Practicing Presence "We Are The Stories We Tell"
Saturday, August 29, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Zoom Online
Join us for the next Creating Spirit, Practicing Presence workshop on storytelling. If you have a story or think you don’t, this workshop will help you find and develop your story as part of God’s story. Facilitated by Dr. Amy Wink, we will explore the value of stories to ourselves, each other and our community, and learn to why telling our stories matters. Zoom link provided after registration. Contact Amy Wink with questions at [email protected]. Register Here.
|
|
Small Groups Forming
Are you craving meaningful connection along with the spiritual accountability that can accompany sharing your faith with an intimate group? While online groups may leave something to be desired, they CAN offer solace for those who deeply desire connection. This fall FUMC will be forming small groups for people who wish to grow their faith and trust in God within a small community of 8-10 other people. Groups will meet for 12 weeks. Even members who already participate in other classes will benefit from these smaller gatherings. Please register online at fumcaustin.org/smallgroups.
|
|
Children's Online Sunday School
Children can find fellowship and faith formation on Sunday mornings in our online Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. This time is designed for our elementary-aged friends (Kindergarten through Fifth Grades), but all children are welcome. This fall we will be exploring Bible stories, learning spiritual practices, singing, worshiping, and serving others - all from the comfort of home and our pajamas! We are excited to be using a new curriculum, Celebrate Wonder, which reaches beyond the spiritual development of a child as it seeks to develop the whole child. Zoom link is available in the Sunday morning email. Contact Director of Children's Ministries, Lara Greene at [email protected] for more information.
|
|
Holy Communion
Sunday, September 6, FUMC Parking Lot
Our Pastors will provide an opportunity to share Communion together. Sign up to attend one of two brief Communion Services in the FUMC parking lot, where we have devised the safest possible way to share in this Sacrament together. Bread and juice will be individually bagged for each car and distributed when you arrive, and participants will be invited to park in every other spot, joining the service from your tailgate or camping chair behind your car. Join us! One car per registration is required and 20 slots per time slot.
|
|
Mercy & Justice Book Study: Holy Disunity
Two Options on Zoom
Join Pastor Cathy Stone as we read and discuss Holy Disunity: How What Separates Us Can Save Us. Author Layton E. Williams proposes that our primary calling as humans is not to create unity but rather to seek authentic relationship with God, ourselves, one another, and the world around us. And this means actively engaging those with whom we disagree. Our religious, political, social, and cultural differences can create doubt and tension, but disunity also provides surprising gifts of perspective and grace. By analyzing conflict and rifts in both modern culture and Scripture, Williams explores how our disagreements and differences—our disunity—can ultimately redeem us. Please register online and a Zoom invitation will be sent. Contact Pastor Cathy at [email protected] for additional information.
|
|
Conversations on Racial Justice
September 13, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Join us as we work to be anti-racists, seeking to undo racism in ourselves and to recognize and understand our participation in systemic racism. This group meets monthly (usually first Sundays), 4:30-6:00 p.m., to discuss and learn more through videos, podcasts, and short articles - no prep needed, just show up ready to listen, discuss, and learn together. Please contact Pastor Cathy Stone at [email protected] for additional information. Zoom links provided after registration. Register Here.
|
|
Disciple I Fast Track
This long-term study offers a twist on the classic Disciple Bible Study, which is an excellent overview of the entire Bible. This class meets in the fall and spring, and is for anyone ready to commit and delve deeper. Perhaps you have recently started coming (or coming back!) to church, and you want to know God and the Bible better. Perhaps you are looking for a group to connect with over a longer study. Perhaps you are interested in becoming a leader at FUMC. Disciple is a great place to start. Registration is free. Participants are asked to purchase their own Old and New Testament Study Manuals. Order class materials here.
Tuesdays, Beginning September 15, 7:00-8:30 p.m
Wednesdays, Beginning September 16, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
|
|
Science and Scripture
Thursdays, September 24- October 15
7:00-8:00 p.m., Zoom
This 4-week class will give a scientist's view of the Creation stories of Genesis and the plagues and miracles of Exodus, led by beloved longtime teacher, scientist, and FUMC member Jim Bowen. Register online for Zoom link. Register Here.
|
|
Manna Bags Needed
We are seeking assembled Manna Bags to hand out to our hungry neighbors on the street. Officer Shelly, our officer from the Feed My People Breakfast, is helping distribute the Manna Bags where they are needed the most. Completed manna bags may be dropped off at the Family Life Center. Please email Pastor Cathy at [email protected] with any questions about items to include and for her phone number to coordinate drop-off. She will unlock the FLC front door remotely. Manna Bag items could include: tuna or chicken lunch kit, peanut butter or cheese cracker sandwiches, Nutri Grain fruit bar, raisins, juice box, socks, and an encouraging message such as "God loves you."
|
|
English as a Second Language
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered at no cost on Mondays and Thursdays. Guests can practice their English conversation skills and develop friendships to support them outside the classroom. In Austin, 32 percent of the population lives in a home in which English is not the primary language. Student spouses, those brought to Austin to work in high-tech firms, people arriving under political asylum, family members of those brought for jobs, all these arrive in Austin with the common need to learn to speak English. Contributions during the month of August go to support this quiet but powerful ministry. You may give online or mail your contribution to the church office. Make checks payable to FUMC and include a note stating that your contribution is for "ESL."
|
|
Submit a prayer request online.
|
|
Within our Congregation
Sandy Bowles, Victoria Grogan, Glenna Marks, Mari Perez, Mimi Raper, Dick Raycraft, Pam Tackett, Jessica Wisko, and Dan Wood.
Beyond our Congregation
Curt Ashmos’ friend, Elissa Marek; Roger Ballard and Jim Eldridge’s friend, Ken Warnock; Grady Basler’s sister, Tonya Basler Stout; Cheryl Bias’ niece, Lauren Stafford; Bob Block’s friend, Tim Sullivan; Judy Breckbill’s friend, Kristen Haeck; Fay Brown’s sister, Jo Rene Altenburg; Kaycee Crisp’s aunt, Martha Cunningham; George Gaston’s friend, Dr. Robert Wootton; Marcia Houston’s mother, Johnnie; Daviss King's stepmother, Gail King; Bob & Nancy Leeper’s granddaughter, Kezia Leeper; Cindy Reidland’s friends, Carly and Colton Wimberly; Debbie Rippetoe’s sister, Cindy Haggard; and Dick Young’s nephew, Jeff Young.
|
|
Contact Us
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-5684
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
